Whole30 Braised Eggplant

Transform weeknight dinners with this savory and satisfying Whole30 Braised Eggplant recipe, a wholesome and flavorful dish that's perfect for those following a Whole30 or paleo lifestyle. Tender cubes of eggplant are simmered to perfection in a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, caramelized onions, and a hint of fresh basil, making each bite a comforting delight. A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a subtle tang that elevates the dish, while the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the braised eggplant makes it incredibly hearty without any grains or dairy. Ready in under an hour, this one-pan recipe is ideal for busy nights and pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice or a fresh green salad. Whether you're meal-prepping or diving right in, this gluten-free, vegan-friendly recipe is a versatile addition to any Whole30 menu.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 medium Eggplants
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 14-ounce can Crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup Water
• 1 handful Fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Start by washing and trimming the ends off the eggplants. Cut them into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Dice the onion and add it to the skillet. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes or until it becomes translucent.

Step 4

Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, letting it caramelize slightly.

Step 6

Add the crushed tomatoes and water to the skillet, mixing well to combine.

Step 7

Add in the eggplant cubes, stirring to coat them in the tomato mixture.

Step 8

Chop the basil and add it to the skillet along with the balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Step 9

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 10

Cover the skillet and let the eggplant braise for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is tender and has absorbed the flavors.

Step 11

Taste, and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 12

Garnish with extra fresh basil if desired before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1490.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	607.9

Total Fat 30.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2445.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 81.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.7g	0%
Total Sugars 42.9g
Protein 14.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 235.9mg	0%
Iron 6.7mg	0%
Potassium 2913.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.9%

Protein: 8.5%

Carbs: 49.6%